Some love stories take their time to unfold, but when they do, they feel inevitable. Áine, from Ireland, and Eddy, from France with Caribbean roots, first met years ago in Brisbane. Áine was finishing her travels and about to set off for South America, and Eddy was studying abroad. Life pulled them in different directions, but they kept in touch.
In 2015, fate intervened: they were reunited at a friend’s birthday in Dublin. By then, Áine was living in London, and Eddy had moved from Australia to Paris and then to Ireland. That night, it felt like no time had passed at all. Six months later, Eddy moved to London, and the rest of their love story began.
Their wedding day was a joyful reflection of their worlds: honouring Irish, French, and Caribbean roots; filled with music, laughter, and meaningful tributes to family.
They married at Chelsea Old Town Hall on a golden October day, with photographs in and around Kensington and Chelsea that made them feel “like celebrities,” Áine and Eddy celebrated afterwards by the river in Hammersmith. It was intimate, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
How They Met
“We met in Brisbane, when I was at the very end of my travels and Eddy was studying in Australia,” Áine shares. “I was about to head off to South America, and he was focused on his studies, but even then, there was a spark. We stayed in touch, and years later, in 2015, we saw each other again at a friend’s birthday in Dublin. It felt like fate had stepped in. That night, everything fell back into place.”
The Proposal
Eddy proposed at White Lady Waterfall in Devon, where the cascade spills down like a bridal veil in the heart of a quiet woodland. It was absolutely breathtaking. “I had a feeling something was up, especially since Eddy, who usually never rushes on a hike, was hurrying me along,” Áine laughs. “I later found out we’d missed a turn and he was silently panicking! In the end, everything worked out perfectly. Surrounded by the gentle roar of the water, he asked me to marry him. It was private, magical, and one of the most romantic moments of my life.”
Wedding Inspiration & Style
The couple wanted the day to feel simple and chic, but full of heart. It was important for them to honour their roots. Áine’s Irish family and Eddy’s French and Caribbean background. Music played a massive role in that. The day was about intimacy, laughter, and making sure it truly felt like “them.”
Personal Touches
There were some lovely personal touches throughout the day. Áine had little lockets with photos of her mum Nancy and her brother Donal attached to her bouquet, so she carried them with her down the aisle. Eddy’s family brought their Caribbean tradition of almond dragees beautifully wrapped in little holders, stacked like a tower with sweets from Martinique tucked inside. And Áine’s friend Lorraine gave her “something old and something blue”: delicate hair clips, which she wore in her veil.
Preparing for the Big Day
Every Sunday in the months before the wedding, Áine and Eddy practised their first dance to Nat King Cole’s L-O-V-E. “Eddy grew up with Zouk, and I grew up with Irish dancing and Ceili, so between us, we had plenty of steps to draw from,” Áine recalls. “Those rehearsals became such a fun, bonding ritual. On the night, it all came together perfectly, although after a few too many champagnes, my timing may have slipped a little! But that only made it more joyful.”
The Bridal Look
For her hair and makeup, Áine wanted a look that was natural, timeless, and elegant, something that would feel like her but elevated for the occasion. Izabella completely understood that vision. “With her styling and the makeup, I felt polished but never overdone,” Áine says.
Working with Izabella was wonderful from start to finish. “Izabella is such a calming, joyful presence. She made me feel so comfortable and looked after, and she created a lovely, relaxed atmosphere on the morning of the wedding. I felt fortunate to have her by my side.”
Áine chose Izabella because of her professionalism, her creativity, and the way she immediately put her at ease. “She completely understood my vision and brought it to life in a way that felt like the best version of me. I feel so grateful to have found her. I’d highly recommend Izabella to all Brides, to help you bring your vision to life.”
A Memorable Chelsea Old Town Hall Wedding
When asked about her most memorable moment, Áine’s answer is immediate: “Standing at the register office in Chelsea Town Hall, looking at Eddy in his suit and seeing how happy he was. That memory is etched in my heart forever.”
Touching Speeches
Two moments during the reception moved the couple to tears. Áine’s childhood friend Lorraine gave a speech on behalf of her family. With her parents and brother gone, she spoke so beautifully about Áine’s mum, Nancy, and her brother, Donal, and how proud they would be. “It was a gift I’ll never forget,” Áine says.
Then Eddy’s cousins – Léa, Olivia, and Nicolas – made a speech in French, translating it into English so everyone could share in it. It was full of warmth and love, and it meant so much to hear his family’s voices woven into the day.
The Perfect Day in Chelsea
The October sunshine gave the day a golden glow, and taking photos outside Chelsea Registry Office was so much fun. People cheered and clapped, and Áine and Eddy felt like celebrities. Later, celebrating by the river in Hammersmith was the perfect setting to finish the day.
A Greek Honeymoon
The couple travelled to Greece, visiting Athens, Naxos, Paros, and Koufonisia. Naxos was calm and authentic, Paros had the most romantic harbours and sunsets, and Koufonisia had the bluest water they’d ever seen. Greece gave them sunshine, delicious food, and time just to be together. It was the perfect beginning to married life.
Advice for Future Brides
“Don’t lose sight of what it’s really about: the two of you,” Áine advises. “The little details will fade, but the joy, the love, and the laughter will stay with you forever. Take time to pause, breathe, and take it all in.”
Wedding Venue and Suppliers
Hair & Makeup: Izabella Bordignon London (@izabellabordignon.brides) – “Her professionalism, creativity, and warmth made me feel completely at ease; she was a dream to work with.”
Photographer: Ernie Savarese – @ernie_savarese_photographer
Dress: Rixo
Shoes: LK Bennett
Veil: Tessa Kim Birdcage Veil, handmade in the U.S.A., perfect for brides looking for something one-of-a-kind
Photo Charms: Jessie Jems, beautiful handmade details from her home studio in Leicestershire
Bridal Bouquet: Wild at Heart
Bag: Amae Bridal rhinestone clutch
Civil Ceremony: Chelsea Old Town Hall, followed by a reception overlooking the Thames in Hammersmith
Planning your wedding ceremony in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Chelsea Old Town Hall remains one of London’s most sought-after wedding venues, offering couples an elegant setting steeped in history and romance. Located in the heart of Kensington and Chelsea, this iconic Grade II listed building provides a sophisticated backdrop for intimate wedding ceremonies and elegant celebrations.
If you’re planning your own Chelsea Old Town Hall Wedding, consider the surrounding area for photographs. The tree-lined streets and elegant architecture of Chelsea create a stunning urban style, just as Áine and Eddy discovered. The nearby Thames offers additional romantic photo and wedding reception opportunities, particularly during golden hour.
For brides seeking that perfect balance of natural beauty and polished elegance on their wedding day, Izabella Bordignon London specialises in creating timeless, sophisticated looks that feel authentically you. From micro weddings to grand celebrations, Izabella brings a calming presence and artistic vision to your most important day.
Ready to bring your wedding vision to life?
Whether you’re planning a Chelsea Old Town Hall wedding or celebrating elsewhere your London Wedding, we’d love to help you feel as radiant and relaxed as Áine did on her special day.
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